As dogs get older, their lifestyle tends to change: some canines become slower, others start eating less and some begin developing various health issues. Because their lifestyle changes, so should their diet – older dogs should eat only foods that support and nurture their sensitive immune systems and help them maintain a healthy weight. The problem is, with so many different food options out there, it can be really difficult to find the right product.

That’s why we created this buying guide – to help you find the best senior dog food for your furry friend. Here, you can read about the formulas we believe are the best when it comes to feeding senior dogs, as well as how to go about choosing the right product. Also take a look at our FAQ section, where we cover some of the most important and commonly asked things about senior dogs.

The Best Senior Dog Food

1

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula For Senior Dogs

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Specially formulated for the well-being of senior canines, this dog food contains wholesome ingredients and beneficial supplements that help older dogs feel and look their best. Delicious, natural and moderately rich in protein, this food is a perfect choice for most senior dogs.

Ingredients such as deboned chicken, whole grains, veggies and fruit make this senior dog food not only highly palatable, but healthy too. With a good ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates for older canines, this Life Protection Formula helps promote healthy immune system function and muscle maintenance. And the addition of supplements such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin promote joint health, which is great news for all seniors who suffer from arthritis. Of course, the food is also enriched with important vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth.

Importantly, this dog food is not high in calories but is in fiber, which helps prevent obesity and gastrointestinal problems in older dogs. It’s also free of artificial preservatives, colors and flavors.

Key Features:

Calorie content: 3,390 Kcals/kg, 350 Kcals/cup

Min protein: 18%

Min fat: 10%

Max fiber: 7%

Max moisture: 10%

Chicken and brown rice recipe

Omega 3 fatty acids (min) 0.5% and omega 6 fatty acids (min) 2.25%

With Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate and L-Carnitine

Fortified with vitamins and minerals

First three ingredients: deboned chicken, brown rice, barley

Specification:

BrandBlue Buffalo

Model17

Weight30 lbs

2

Hill’s Science Diet Senior Dog Food

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If your old buddy has been feeling a little down, maybe tired and low on energy, her diet could be to blame. Foods that don’t have all the necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can make even a young pup feel tired and grumpy. That’s why Hill’s Science Diet for Senior dogs has it all – a unique combination of nutrients that are rich in antioxidants, added vitamins and minerals, and plenty of healthy fats for a shiny coat and satisfied tummy.

Containing clinically proven to be healthy nutrients, this senior dog food supports youthful energy and a healthy weight. Ingredients such as chicken meal, whole grains, animal fat and a few veggies and fruits make for a delicious and healthy food that promotes longevity in dogs.

This balanced nutrition for older dogs (7+) is free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

3

Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity Senior Dog Food

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Purina is well-known for making quality pet foods, and this Purina One Vibrant Maturity formula is not an exception. Made with wholesome, tasty ingredients and added botanical oils, this dog food for older dogs helps nourish canine’s mind and body.

Rich in protein and moderately high in healthy fats, this formula helps dogs maintain their strength and muscle development even in their old age. Real chicken is the first ingredient, but you’ll find various other foods in here too, including fish meal, grains, both whole and refined and animal fat. Of course, added vitamins and minerals are also a part of the ingredients list, but so are a few botanical oils, which are supposed to increase older dogs’ mental sharpness.

Although it’s highly nutritious, because it contains quite a number of grains and oils, this senior dog food is best suited for dogs who don’t suffer from food allergies and digestive issues.

Key Features:

Calorie content: 3786 kcal/kg, 363 kcal/cup

Min protein: 28%

Min fat: 12%

Max fiber: 4.5%

Max moisture: 12%

Vibrant maturity adult 7+ formula

Contains omega 6 fatty acids (min) 1.5%

With Glucosamine

Enriched with vitamins and minerals

First three ingredients: chicken, brewer’s rice, corn gluten meal

Specification:

BrandPurina One

Model14934

Weight31.5 lbs

4

Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food

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Specially formulated for the needs of older canines, the Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food contains everything your older pup needs to be healthy, mentally sharp and happy. Made with a blend of ultra-healthy ingredients, including a few superfoods for dogs, this formula is undoubtedly one of the best foods for older dogs.

With three delicious protein sources, chicken, lamb and salmon, and healthy fat sources such as chicken fat, fish oil and coconut oil, this dog food is not only highly palatable but promotes muscle maintenance and development and healthy skin and coat. And additions of superfoods such as whole chia seeds, blueberries, kale and flaxseed promote mental sharpness and healthy digestion.

The formula contains only the best of ingredients, so you’ll find no meat by-products or refined grains here. It’s also free from artificial fillers, colors, preservatives and flavors.

5

Wellness Complete Health Senior Dry Dog Food

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Made with high-quality ingredients that help dogs live longer and healthier, the Wellness Complete Health Senior is a wonderful dog food for older dogs. Delicious and nutritious, this deboned chicken and barley recipe nurtures the sensitive immune system of older dogs while satisfying their cravings.

Made with real chicken as its primary protein source, and whole grains such as barley and brown rice, as well as vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, carrots, spinach, apples, blueberries and others, this dog formula has everything an older canine needs in order to be healthy and happy. The food also contains added vitamins and minerals, a well as probiotics, so it’s guaranteed to provide a balanced, complete nutrition every time.

It’s free of fillers and artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives.

6

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Wet Dog Food

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If your old pooch has trouble eating dry kibble, wet dog foods, such as the Hill’s Science Diet Adult wet food, are what you want to focus on. Made with tasty, healthy ingredients such as beef and veggies, this savory stew formula will not only satisfy your dog’s cravings but also support his well-being.

Rich in protein and healthy fats, this senior canned dog food helps support muscle maintenance as well as healthy skin and coat. And ingredients such as beef, pork liver, brown rice, carrots, peas, spinach and flaxseed only increase vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content, which is so necessary for aging canines.

This easy-to-digest formula is also fortified with vitamins and minerals, so it provides a balanced, complete nutrition.

Key Features:

Calorie content: 329 kcal/12.8 oz (363 g) can

Min protein: 29.8%

Min fat: 20.5%

Max fiber: 1.9%

Savory Stew with beef & vegetables

Fortified with vitamins and minerals

First three ingredients: water, beef, pork liver

Specification:

BrandHill’s Science Diet

Model1434

Weight9.6 lbs

7

Blue Wilderness High-Protein Grain-Free Senior Dog Food

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Blue Buffalo always formulate their dog foods based on the diet of wolves (omnivores), meaning their formulas are rich in protein, moderately high in healthy fats and fiber. This is pretty much the ideal diet for most senior dogs who require plenty of good nutrients to be healthy and live long.

This chicken formula contains quality ingredients, such as deboned chicken, chicken meal and fish meal for protein, sweet potatoes, peas, tomatoes, flaxseed, blueberries and cranberries for complex carbohydrates, and flaxseed and fish oil for healthy fats. It’s pretty high in fiber too, thanks to dried chicory root and other fiber-rich foods and supplements.

The food is also fortified with minerals and vitamins, but contains no grains, by-product meals or artificial flavors and preservatives.

8

Wellness Complete Health Senior Wet Dog Food

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Many older dogs come to a point when they either prefer or can only eat wet foods. If that’s the case with your furry pet, feel free to serve only wet canned foods, but do make sure they offer balanced, complete nutrition, as aging dogs need plenty of nutrients. The Wellness Complete Health Senior is an excellent option, as it’s limited in ingredients but still manages to pack various healthy foods.

Formulated for senior dogs who have often have digestive issues, this formula contains only the most necessary ingredients. Chicken and fish are the main protein sources, while sweet potatoes, flaxseed and barley make for wonderful complex carbs, offering fiber, vitamins and minerals.

This low-calorie formula contains added supplements but is free from artificial flavors, preservatives and colorings.

Key Features:

Calorie content: 379 kcal/12.5 oz can

Min protein: 7%

Min fat: 3%

Max fiber: 3%

Max moisture: 78%

Senior formula

Fortified with vitamins and minerals

First three ingredients: chicken broth, chicken, whitefish

Specification:

BrandWellness Pet Food

Model8926

Weight11.35 lbs

9

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

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If you’re looking to boost your pooch’s nutrition, look no further than the Instinct Raw Boost formula, which, besides regular kibble, contains freeze-dried raw meat. This chicken recipe contains no grains of any kind, so it’s particularly suitable for canines with sensitive stomachs.

The Instinct Raw Boost contains cage-free chicken as its first ingredient, and it’s packed with protein for optimal muscle development and maintenance. Foods such as turkey, peas, chickpeas, salmon meal, tapioca, pumpkin seeds, salmon oil and blueberries have also found their place in the ingredient list, boosting healthy fat, vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content. The formula also contains added supplements, including probiotics for healthy digestion.

Importantly, this dog food is free from artificial colors, preservatives and by-product meals.

10

Nutro Ultra Senior Canned Dog Food

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Another excellent senior dog food from Nutro Ultra, but this time the formula is a wet canned dog food. Made with wholesome, natural ingredients that support the health of senior dogs, this food is nutritious and delicious.

With three quality protein sources, chicken, lamb and turkey, and a blend of vibrant healthy foods such as grains, fruits, veggies, fish and seeds, this formula helps older dogs maintain their energy and mental sharpness. Fortified with vitamins and minerals, the formula provides a balanced everyday nutrition. Although it can be consumed by dogs of all ages and preferences, it’s particularly suited for older (7+ years) dogs who don’t do well on dry foods.

11

Orijen Senior Dry Dog Food

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If you’re looking for high-quality senior dog food for your old buddy, and you don’t mind paying a little extra, you’ll find no better food than the Orijen Senior formula. With high protein content for proper muscle development and maintenance, and a wide array of veggies and fruits, this dry dog food is everything a senior dog could hope for.

Poultry and fish represent the basis of this delicious food, which contains 85% of meat and 15% of fruits and vegetables. Speaking of produce, you’ll find foods such as whole green lentils, peas, chickpeas, pinto beans, zucchini, pumpkin, butternut squash, kelp, cranberries, blueberries and many other veggies and fruits here. It’s a party of superfoods for dogs! Because it contains such a rich blend of whole foods, the formula is supplemented only with zinc and copper.

Like all Orijen foods, this senior formula is also free from all things artificial.

12

Iams Proactive Health Senior Plus Dry Dog Food

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Every senior dog needs proper nutrition in order to fight signs of aging like declining health. Iams Proactive Health Senior provides exactly that kind of nutrition. Made with poultry, whole grains, and a few veggies and fruits, this kibble is formulated to promote health and well-being of older canines.

Ingredients such as chicken, sorghum, barley, beet pulp, carrots, tomatoes, spinach and apples make this food naturally antioxidant-rich. However, the formula is also enriched with a wide array of vitamins and minerals which help older pups develop a strong immune system. This already low-in-calories dog food contains L-carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight.

Although it contains a few whole grains, the formula is free from soy and wheat.

13

Canidae Grain-Free Pure Meadow Senior Dog Food

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If your dog has started developing stomach issues and strange skin allergies in his old age, it’s time to focus on simple recipes. Canidae Grain-Free Pure for senior dogs offers just that – using simple recipes for sensitive dogs, this formula is healthy, palatable and promotes digestion.

Made with fresh poultry and just a few selected veggies and fruits, including sweet potatoes, chickpeas, peas and alfalfa, this limited ingredient formula has everything an older dog with a sensitive stomach needs. It’s also enriched with vitamins, minerals and probiotics, which combined, only further promote healthy digestion, skin and coat. It’s also grain-free, which is great news for pups who have stomachs sensitive to coarse grains.

The Canidae Senior formula is free from fillers, artificial colors, preservatives and flavors.

14

Cesar Senior Canine Cuisine

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If you want to treat your old furry friend with some delicious, slow simmered wet dog food, Cesar is the way to. This particular formula, specially formulated for senior dogs, features simmered entrée with chicken and rice, which is guaranteed to keep your pooch happy and satisfied.

For older dogs who have become picky and slow eaters, highly palatable foods are the way to go. You need to make your pet eat more to regain and keep his strength, and recipes such as this one from Cesar Senior are a perfect way to do that. Made with slow simmered poultry and rice, this formula is delicious and sure to keep your dog full and happy. To provide a balanced, complete nutrition, it’s fortified with important vitamins and minerals.

This wet dog food is best combined with other healthy foods (as a topper or mixed with), although it can definitely be served as a stand-alone meal.

Key Features:

Calorie content: 1011 kcal/kg, 101 kcal/tray

Min protein: 8%

Min fat: 3.5%

Max fiber: 1%

Max moisture: 82%

Slow Simmered Chicken & Rice

Added vitamins and minerals

First three ingredients: sufficient water for processing, meat by-products, chicken

Specification:

BrandCesar

ModelK2818500

Weight6.22 lbs

15

AvoDerm Senior Health Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

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Like all AvoDerm’s dog foods, this formula too is made from quality ingredients, including California avocados. With plenty of protein and fiber and a moderate amount of fats, this dry dog food is low in calories, perfect for older canines who are no longer physically active as they used to be.

With three quality protein sources, lamb meal, chicken meal and salmon meal, and a few veggies, fruits and seeds, the AvoDerm Senior provides a balanced and healthy nutrition. Ingredients such as avocados, alfalfa meal, flaxseed, kelp meal and avocado oil, make this formula packed with vitamins and minerals. Of course, it’s also enriched with added supplements, so you can be sure you’re feeding your dog properly.

This formula is not only free of grains, but of artificial preservatives, colors and flavors.

Best Senior Dog Foods Buying Guide & FAQ

We know that you want only the best for your dog, especially now when she’s in her older life stage and needs extra care and attention to be, feel and look healthy and happy. Unfortunately, finding a reliable, quality senior dog food can be a challenge, as there are so many different formulas on the market. That’s why we’ve prepared this buying guide – to help you find the right product for your pet and your budget. Here, you’ll find all kinds of useful information on older dogs and what their nutrition should be like, as well as what it should not be like. So read on and inform yourself, as the more you know, the easier it will be to pick the right product.

Things to Look For When Buying Senior Dog Food

To buy a quality dog food for your older pup, look for the following things:

Quality protein sources

Whole meats, such as deboned chicken, whole turkey, beef, etc. are all wonderful sources of protein for dogs. But if your pup doesn’t have food allergies and digestive issues, meat meals, as well as meat by-products, should fine too. However, it’s good to know that properly labeled meats are always better than non-labeled meats.

Low calories

Generally speaking, elder dogs are much less physically active than younger dogs, which makes them more prone to obesity if you’re not careful. Look for foods that contain either a moderate amount of calories or are specifically low in calories, depending on your pet and his lifestyle.

Life stage formulated

Just like puppies have different nutritional needs from adult dogs, so do seniors compared to their younger but adult counterparts. Of course, the difference here is not that great, but it’s still better to use life stage formulated foods (senior, or adult 7+ foods) simply because they have to meet specific nutritional standards to be labeled as such. Still, this is not an absolute must and may be inconvenient if you own both senior dogs and puppies, so do whatever works best for you and your pet(s).

The Ingredients to Avoid Feeding Your Senior Dog

Older canines are not only less physically active and prone to obesity, they’re also more prone to allergies, digestive issues, and other health problems. Diet plays a huge role here – if fed well, quality foods, senior dogs can thrive and live a very long and happy life. But to know what makes a quality dog food, first, you need to learn what makes it worse.

Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors

Few artificial fillers here and there won’t kill your dog, but if your senior pooch is starting to develop strange skin allergies, rashes and maybe even gastrointestinal issues, it’s time to remove artificial fillers from his diet completely.

Sweeteners

Corn syrup, sucrose, and other sweeteners are used to sweeten the dog food, which not only ups the calorie content but your dog’s blood sugar levels when she eats it too. This is something you want to avoid generally, but especially if your dog suffers from diabetes or is at risk of developing it.

Fillers

Many dog foods contain lots of low-quality fillers such as oat hulls, wheat mill run, and cereal by-products, which although don’t contain anything valuable, make the food appear plumper and therefore tastier. However, these fillers are anything but nutritious and may lead to digestive issues and skin and coat problems if eaten long-term. So, when it comes to sensitive senior dogs, it’s best to avoid fillers in foods completely.

What About Raw Food?

In an effort to feed their dogs the best quality foods, many pet parents turn to a raw food diet. After all, when you give your dog only raw foods, you know exactly what he’s eating and how much, so it must be a good idea, right? Not exactly – especially when it comes to senior canines.

First of all, dogs are omnivores, meaning they live off both animal and plant products. But when pet owners talk about the raw diet for dogs, they usually talk about – yes, you guessed it – raw meat only.

Although meat is an ideal source of protein for all dogs, it’s simply not enough to support an average dog’s health and well-being. Canines need all kinds of foods to thrive, including whole grains (unless they’re grain-sensitive), healthy fats, veggies and some fruits. All of these ingredients contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants dogs need, while raw meat alone, does not.

Secondly, there are potential risks involving raw diet and you need to be aware of them:

Unbalanced diet: as mentioned, raw meat alone simply does not contain all the nutrients a dog needs. Plus, if given too much protein for long periods of time, some dogs can develop serious health problems, including kidney disease.

Increased risk to both humans and dogs from handling/eating raw meat: naturally, raw meats tend to develop bacteria which can be harmful not only to your dog (Salmonella, for example), but to you too.

Increased risk for choking: giving your dog whole bones can not only lead to dental problems, such as teeth breaking, but to actual choking, depending on the size of the bones, as well as your dog.

Finally, the biggest reason why we don’t recommend feeding your senior dog raw diet is that the experts are against it, including the American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Saying that you know your dog best – if you’ve been feeding him raw foods and she appears to be thriving, there’s no reason to stop now. But do make sure your pooch gets regular and frequent vet check-ups.

Best Senior Dog Foods FAQ:

Q: What is considered a senior dog?

A: Dog foods labeled as senior or adult 7+ foods, usually contain fewer calories (although not always) than regular dog foods, as older canines are more prone to being overweight. On the other hand, they contain more supplements, as seniors are more prone to certain health issues, including arthritis.

Q: What age should you switch to senior dog food?

A: A dog is considered older once he reaches half of his life expectancy. For larger breeds who live about 12 to 15 years, that’s around six years of age, and for smaller breeds who live to about 15 to 20, that’s about eight or nine years of age. Once your pup reaches this number, it’s wise to switch to senior dog foods, although it’s not a must until he actually starts showing signs of aging.

Q: Can I give my older dog puppy food?

A: Because puppies have different nutritional needs than older dogs, it’s not a good idea to feed a senior a puppy food. Age-appropriate dog foods are recommended, so you’ll want to give your older dog food labeled as such (senior or older 7+). However, if you’re out of senior dog food and all you have at home is puppy food, it’s perfectly fine to serve it to your senior pooch here and there - just don't make it a practice.

Q: How often should I feed my senior dog?

A: The best way to plan your dog’s feeding schedule is to talk to your vet. But generally speaking, since older dogs are less active than usual, feeding them twice a day (breakfast and dinner) is enough.

Our Top Pick

Whichever product you choose from our Top 15 list, we’re sure both you and your old, loyal companion will be satisfied. But we feel like this buying guide wouldn’t be complete if we also didn’t include our Top Pick product – theBlue Buffalo Life Protection Formula For Senior Dogs. This dog food is our No.1 choice because it ticks all the right boxes, and then some.

It’s life stage formulated, meaning specially made to meet the needs of older dogs;

It’s natural, containing only quality, wholesome ingredients;

It has all the necessary supplements, including Glucosamine and Chondroitin which promote joint health;